According to Andre Perry, Ph.D., associate director of the Loyola Institute for Quality and Equity in Education, while medical models, business approaches and neighborhood involvement have been used to improve schools, the inverse is also true. The model of a good school can be used to help develop communities. Perry contends that neighborhoods and communities should have a “curriculum” that facilitates positive outcomes and expectations.

“We hope to take the positive things we’ve learned from working in schools to a macro, societal level,” Perry said. “While education advocates will certainly appreciate the lecture, this is more of an event for everyone who cares about New Orleans.”

Joining Perry in leading the discussion will be Sophie B. Wright Charter School seniors, Corey Campbell, Ricky Coston and Marcus Stepter. Perry said it’s critical that the next generation of scholars get involved in this issue as soon as possible. The students couldn’t agree more.

“Students can offer suggestions as to how the city can grow. I’m happy I can offer a few of my ideas,” Campbell said. “This is part of my senior project, so I’m excited that it can possibly lead to something bigger than a school project.”

“I want to be a great writer one day. I want to be an even better citizen. Most importantly, I want everyone to become what they dream. This lecture is a big step in that direction,” Coston said.

“This is also a demonstration of a university-school partnership that I believe contributes to the larger discourse on community,” Perry added. “This reinforces the notions of the public square, lyceum and the living-learning environment.”

To learn more about the event, contact Matt Lambert in the Office of Public Affairs at mlambert@loyno.edu or 504-343-9413.

Loyola at a Glance is written and distributed for the faculty, staff, students and friends of Loyola University New Orleans. It is published by the Office of Public Affairs, Greenville Hall, Box 909, 7214 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70118. (504) 861-5888.

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